The Best Florida Villas for Large Groups

02:04 pm | Monday, 22 July 2024

When it's time to get the whole gang back together, clients can look no further than our collection of large group Florida villas.

From our collection of 3,000 holiday homes, we're shining the spotlight on five stunning homes that are spacious enough for privacy, yet amenity filled for family fun...

An evening picture of a villa for large groups at Reunion Resort in Florida

Reunion Ultimate Villa Ocean – 683, Reunion Resort

Sleeps: 18 guests
Best for: Multi-generational families

Why we love it: Located just 12 minutes’ drive from Disney, it’s easy to reach Orlando’s big draw card from here, especially if clients take advantage of the resort’s dedicated Disney shuttle service. Back at the villa, there are six spacious bedrooms, private balconies overlooking the pristine pool, and a home cinema. Any kids will love their Star Wars and fashion-themed bedrooms. And the west-facing terrace with its fire pit is a blissful spot for a sundowner.

About the resort: The Reunion Resort is a favourite spot for a luxurious Florida villa holiday. It offers an impressive array of amenities, including three golf courses, a vast water park, a tennis centre, seven community pools, and a whole host of dining options on-site if clients fancy eating out.

Spacious villa interior for large group holidays in Florida

Solterra - Ocean 672

Sleeps: 28 guests
Best for: Celebrating milestones, large extended families

Why we love it: If clients are gathering for a big celebration and need a lot of bedrooms, this capacious luxury villa has 14 of them – and a grand total of 11 bathrooms. The vast living space includes a huge, covered veranda and deck, and the pool with adjoining spa pool is the perfect place to cool off in the Floridian sunshine. With Disney just a 20-minute drive away, clients are in another ideal place to recharge their batteries after a day at the parks.

About the resort: The villa is located in Solterra, a stunning gated community in Davenport just minutes from Orlando’s theme parks and other attractions. The resort amenities include a clubhouse and restaurant, fitness room, tennis and volleyball courts and children’s play area. Holidaymakers of all ages will love floating down the lazy river. And while the kids play on the resort’s water slide, parents can indulge in a frozen cocktail from one of the community poolside cabanas.

A private vila swimming pool in ChampionsGate, Florida

ChampionsGate - Ocean 660

Sleeps: 16 guests
Best for: Golfing groups, friends with kids.

Why we love it: It’s good times only in this fun-packed villa featuring a games room that houses a karaoke system and stage! When clients aren't belting out the ballads, they can retreat to the home theatre – complete with a popcorn maker – for a movie night. Or even enjoy a film under the stars using the outdoor projector. Inside, the décor is elegant neutrals with fun, themed bedrooms for the kids. The huge kitchen makes a perfect entertaining space and the outdoor covered terrace, overlooking the private pool, offers delightful shade for group lunches or evening drinks.

About the resort: If clients enjoy a round of golf, this is the resort for them. The gated community of ChampionsGate is home to a 36-hole golf course designed by golfing legend, Greg Norman. And if golf isn’t their thing, they can still indulge in the huge spa and fitness centre, the formal pool with private cabanas, the family pool with water slide or Orlando’s only resort wave pool. After all the excitement, they can recharge at a choice of five on-site restaurants and lounges or order-in from 24-hour room service. All this, and clients are just 12 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort which can be easily accessed by car or the resort’s dedicated shuttle service.

A daytime picture of a private swimming pool and terrace in a villa for large groups at Solara Resort in Florida

Solara Resort - Ocean 052

Sleeps: 18 guests
Best for: Multi-generational families

Why we love it: A beautifully appointed nine-bedroom, six-bathroom villa, this home-from-home has the space to keep each and every group entertained and relaxed. The crisp white kitchen is a gorgeous space to prepare meals together, while the soothing, neutral-toned bedrooms offer calm, cool and quiet. Complete with a games room, pool table and themed rooms for teens and younger children, there really is something for all the family. At the end of the day, everyone can gather together on the beautiful poolside terrace or rest tired limbs on one of the ample sofas in the living area.

About the resort: Located in the Orlando/Kissimmee area, this resort is a wonderful base for an unforgettable group holiday in Florida. Ideally situated close to Interstate 4, it’s less than 10 miles from Disney and offers easy access to Universal Studios, SeaWorld, International Drive and much more. Solara is one of the region’s newest resorts on the Florida villa holiday scene. It features first-class amenities, including a fitness centre, a green area for outdoor exercise, beach volleyball and basketball courts, a splash pad for little ones and a surf-simulator enjoyed by grown-ups and kids alike. Tweens and teens can escape to a dedicated hangout centre, and the whole group can gather in the bar & grill at the end of a fun-fuelled day.

Disney Area Ultimate Villas

Sleeps: Various
Best for: Celebrity-crib style experience

Why we love them: These Disney Area Ultimate Villas are the crème-de-la-crème of villa accommodation in Florida. Located across several of the region’s resorts, clients are guaranteed to be within 35 minutes’ drive time of Walt Disney World Resort. And when they are not in the parks, they can live like a king or queen. We love the opulent yet tasteful décor, state-of-the-art mod cons, and jaw-dropping pools of these villas. Plus, many have games rooms where clients can enjoy a bit of healthy family competition. And some properties even feature indoor bowling alleys!

About the resorts: Situated in the most celebrated Florida resorts – many of which we’ve featured above – you can expect spectacular pools, beautifully manicured grounds, championship golf, an abundance of eateries and world-class service. Think MTV Cribs, Orlando edition.

Ultimate Guide to Top-Selling Hotels in Orlando

Home to the Happiest Place on Earth, Orlando draws millions of mouse-eared visitors every year. This means there’s a huge number of family-friendly hotels to choose from. Whether customers are after proximity to the Disney parks, a little luxury, or somewhere lighter on the purse strings, the Sunshine State has something for everyone. And as the largest Florida specialist of our kind in Europe, choosing from our top-selling hotels in Orlando can ensure their holiday ticks all the right boxes...

Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

Best for location

Orlando, a hub of activities, is best experienced when staying on International Drive. The Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, located in the heart of the city, ensures this convenience. It's just steps away from the Pointe Orlando shopping centre, WonderWorks, and top-notch dining options like Bahama Breeze and Olive Garden, making your stay hassle-free and enjoyable.

Not only are Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando within a 6-mile radius, but customers are also perfectly positioned to make the most of their complimentary 7-day I-RIDE Trolley Pass, one of 5 Orlando experiences exclusive to Florida customers, worth up to $549 per family of four.

Back at the hotel, customers can be sure of a great night's sleep in their deluxe rooms with comfy double beds that will feel like sleeping on a cloud. The rooms also come equipped with a mini-fridge, HD TV with cable channels, and fast free Wi-Fi. This family-friendly hotel also offers a kids eat free program, as well as scheduled shuttle service to Universal Orlando and SeaWorld, making it a valuable option on top of its convenience.

Floridays Orlando Resort

Best for bigger families

At Floridays Resort Orlando, the whole family can experience the holiday of a lifetime. It offers condo-style accommodations with up to three-bedroom suites that are almost four times larger than the average Orlando hotel room, so there’s plenty of space for everyone. Accommodating up to eight guests, the suite boasts a fully equipped kitchen and dining area with granite countertops, as well as breathtaking views of the pools and ponds from the comfort of customer's own private balcony.

When customers are able to tear themselves away from the luxurious private pad, the resort itself has much to offer. Two pools offer vastly different vibes. They can opt for the kid-friendly main pool, featuring a fun water playscape, or the ultimate in relaxation in the quieter pool, which even comes with a jacuzzi. And when hunger strikes, they can take a seat at the Palm Café Pool Bar, where they can enjoy a choice of wings, pizza, and burgers. Or they can retreat to the comfort of their own room and take advantage of room service for a small fee of $2. The resort also features Palm Café, where customers can start their day right with a Starbucks coffee.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Best for Disney dreams on a budget

Customers can experience the magic of Disney and the exhilaration of rock 'n' roll at Disney's All-Star Music Resort. This music-themed Disney hotel not only places them just moments away from theme park bliss but also provides complimentary bus transportation. Ideal for music enthusiasts and Disney fans alike, this value Walt Disney World accommodation offers the enchantment of a Disney stay without the high price tag of some of the other Disney hotels.

Five themed areas pay homage to different genres of music, and customers can even find a guitar-shaped pool and jukebox headboards in their bedrooms. Come dinner time, they can boogie on down to the Intermission Food Court, featuring a range of serving stations plus a deli-style market. For the icing on the cake, music lovers will appreciate the song and dance surprises throughout the resort and Disney fans will love Movies Under the Stars, where they can watch classics by the pool.

We would also like to give honourable mentions to Disney's All Star Sports and Art of Animation Resorts, which are fantastic Prime Value hotel alternatives.

Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando

Best new hotel

Located within the Disney Springs Resort Area, the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando is an ultra-modern and value-for-money option for holiday accommodation. Complimentary breakfast is included, as well as the 5:30pm Kickback, where guests are treated to free food and drink, the perfect way to ease into your evening.

The hotel goes the extra mile by providing free shuttles to Walt Disney World, so customers are always close to the magic. What's more, they will be treated to a range of amenities like a pool, hot tub, fitness centre, and arcade - all free to access without paying any resort fees. Considering neighbouring hotels charge up to $39 plus tax per night, opting for the Drury Plaza Hotel provides excellent value and saves customers a substantial amount that they can use for other memorable experiences.

And when it comes time to rest up for the night, you can do so in complete comfort. Choose from spacious two room suites or rooms featuring deluxe Queen- and King-sized beds that sleep a family of five. You will also find an abundance of in-room luxuries, including free Wi-Fi, TV, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker for that morning pick-me-up.

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites

Best for amenities & theme park perks

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites will keep you entertained from dawn till dusk. And with spacious two-bedroom suites that sleep six, the whole family can join the fun.

Customers can take poolside activities to another level with a game of ping pong and connect four. And if that’s not enough competition, there’s also a full games room to enjoy, equipped with classic arcade favourites and video games.

As for dining, there’s plenty for guests to sink their teeth into, from grab-and-go market food, to pizza delivery, and even Starbucks. Or customers can soak up the laidback vibes at the Oasis Beach Bar. Plus, there’s even a handy kitchenette in the suites for a more intimate family meal.

Last but not least, as this is a Universal hotel, guests are also treated to an array of amazing perks, such as early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, free shuttles to Universal Orlando Resort, souvenir delivery, and resort-wide charging via each guest's room card.

For any other recommendations, just ask our USA experts!

Villatel Orlando Resort: What Makes Florida’s First ‘Villa Hotel’ Special

Orlando’s first 'villa hotel', Villatel Orlando Resort, has opened its doors. So if clients like the idea of having their own space, but want the amenities of a big resort or hotel – head this way, as we lift the lid on what’s in store...

Overview

So firstly, what do we mean by a ‘villa hotel’? Well, these luxury villas are set on a 77-acre site, but come with hotel-style facilities. So, guests get the best of both worlds – a villa with a fully-equipped kitchen and living space, along with the amenities they would expect from a hotel, like a waterpark, bar, sports courts and a gym – all coming for 2025.

Location-wise, it doesn’t get much better. The resort’s on International Drive, less than 10 minutes’ drive from the theme parks – so day trips to Disney and Universal are super doable. Plus, it’s within easy reach of I-Drive’s restaurants, shops and attractions.

The Villa Options

Guests can choose between a range of villas, from two to nine bedrooms, meaning there’s plenty of room to bring the whole family, including space for up to 18 guests in the larger properties. Plus, select homes promise themed rooms for little ones or big kids, as well as cinema and games rooms.

Each and every home has its own pool as standard, yet all provide a living space and kitchen area with all the mod-cons, so guests can prepare breakfast and dinner at home, or pack up lunches when they are on-the-go. Laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi are some of the other amenities that every guest can expect, along with spacious master bedrooms and en suite bathrooms.

What’s New for 2025?

The resort isn’t quite finished yet. Lots of the villas are open, but they’re still working on the communal facilities - which will be worth the wait. In 2025, the resort will add a waterpark, lazy river, pool, poolside bar-cum-grill, sports courts and a gym to the facilities list. There will also be a clubhouse and a children’s playground.

Something Out of the Ordinary

If clients are looking for that something extra, Villatel Orlando Resort can easily deliver. Lots of the villas feature extravagantly themed kids’ rooms – like the wildlife-inspired Jill’s Jungle Villa and Medieval-style Carter’s Castle. The five-bedroom Villa Fantastique includes a themed kids’ room with a slide, while The Stunning villa stars a water-view pool and hot tub, along with a whole room dedicated to gaming. In fact, plenty of the villas come with their own cinema or arcade rooms for added entertainment.

And, if that wasn’t enough, there are certain VIP perks that come with a stay here. The resort runs a free shuttle service to and from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, so guests can avoid any extra car parking or taxi costs. Plus, Florida’s biggest indoor attraction, Dezerland Park Orlando, is just down the road. There’s a lot packed into this place, from go-karting and trampolines to laser tag and mini golf.

And, if guests are ever in need of any help while you’re away, there’s a dedicated concierge service from 8.30am-8.30pm.

Other Important Things to Know

Resort fees

As you’d expect from a resort of this calibre, there will be a daily resort fee that’s payable on arrival at the resort for 2025 stays. It applies per day, per home – but only for those arriving after January 2025. In this case, guests will need to leave a credit card on file when they check in. This will grant access to the resort’s waterpark, sports courts, grill and gym. Plus, it also includes the concierge service, linen and towels, and the toiletries and pantry items that all the homes are stocked with when they arrive.

The resort fees are:
$20 for 2-bed condo
$30 for 3-bed condo
$30 for townhomes
$40 for homes

These rates are all per day and are subject to a 12.5% tax.

Ongoing Construction for 2024

It’s worth remembering that there are still some facilities under construction at Villatel Orlando Resort. Facilities like the waterpark, sports courts and bar & grill won’t be open until late 2024, ready for the 2025 season. But there’s never been a better time for clients to get ahead of the crowd, and secure their spot at Orlando’s first ‘Villa Hotel’ in all its glory….

Rosen Shingle Creek: The Perfect Resort for Exploring Universal Epic Universe

As the opening of the highly anticipated Universal Epic Universe theme park in 2025 draws near, finding the perfect base to explore it from becomes crucial. Rosen Shingle Creek emerges as an exceptional choice for clients, combining proximity, affordability, and a plethora of amenities, making it a hidden gem among Orlando hotels

Prime Location and Accessibility

Rosen Shingle Creek boasts the distinction of being the closest hotel to Universal Epic Universe which isn’t an official Universal Orlando Resort hotel. This strategic location, just 2.5 miles from Universal Orlando Resort, offers guests the convenience of easy access without the premium price tag associated with official Universal hotels. Furthermore, the hotel is just 11 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO), and 10 miles from Walt Disney World. In other words, Orlando’s best bits can all be on your doorstep.

Exceptional Amenities and Facilities

Rooms

With a total of 1,501 smoke-free guestrooms, Rosen Shingle Creek offers some of the most expansive rooms in Central Florida, ensuring comfort and convenience for all. With King, Queen, and double Queen rooms, the hotel caters to every group size. And for those seeking additional space and luxury, the hotel offers 191 suites - including Petite King Suites, Executive Suites, Grande Suite Parlors, Hospitality Suites, and Presidential Suites - each providing a unique blend of comfort and sophistication.

All rooms come equipped with plush Creek Sleeper beds, complimentary Wi-Fi, modern conveniences, such as a 50” HD TV and USB charging stations, as well as elegant furnishings throughout.

For added accessibility, you can choose from a variety of ADA compliance guestrooms that come with mobility-accessible doors, roll-in showers, televisions with closed captioning for the hearing impaired, and hearing-impaired alert devices for incoming telephone calls, alarms, and visitors at the door upon request.

Recreation

Rosen Shingle Creek boasts a wide range of recreation activities designed to enhance the guest experience and ensure that every need is met. Four outdoor heated pools, including a lap pool, zero-entry family pool, cabana pool, and kiddie wading pool, along with two hot tubs, provide ample opportunities for relaxation and fun, while The Spa at Shingle Creek offers a serene escape with a variety of treatments, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Guests can also stay active at the state-of-the-art fitness centre, tennis courts, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, and nature trails. Or tee off at the Shingle Creek Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course designed by Arnold Palmer Design Company. There’s even organised programs and family-friendly amenities to ensure that younger guests are entertained.

Dining

After a day of exploring all that Universal Epic Universe has to offer, settling down for that evening meal will be a top priority. Rosen Shingle Creek boasts a wide variety of dining options for guests. This includes 15 different restaurants, lounges, and cafes catering to all palates.

We love chomping down on the finest steaks at A Land Remembered or savouring a fine Italian meal in the elegant Cala Bella. Clients can also choose to keep things light at The Poolside with snacks, light meals, and drinks by the pool, as well as enjoy casual meals at Mi Casa Tequila Taqueria and Tobias Burgers & Brews. And for dessert, The Creek Creamery offers a range of ice cream flavours and treats. Then what better way to end the night than with a fine wine, cocktail, or beer at Headwaters Lounge?

Free shuttle service

Another reason this is the perfect resort for exploring Universal Epic Universe is its complimentary shuttle service to Universal Orlando Resort. This service ensures a hassle-free commute, allowing guests to focus on enjoying their day at the theme parks.

The shuttle service also extends to other popular destinations in the area, including SeaWorld, making it easy for guests to explore the best of Orlando without worrying about transportation.

Please note that reservations for the shuttle service are required and must be made in person at the Universal Partner Hotel Vacation Planning Centre located in the hotel lobby. There is also an ADA shuttle service, however, space is limited, with one mobility aid per departure.

Ideal for All Kinds of Guests

Rosen Shingle Creek caters to a diverse range of guests, making it a versatile recommendation for family holidays, a romantic couple’s getaway, business travellers, and twin-centre holidays. Families will appreciate organized children's activities, poolside entertainment, the 20% discount on individual rounds of golf at Shingle Creek Golf Course, and of course, the proximity to Universal Epic Universe and all other Orlando highlights.

Accessibility and Inclusive Services

Inclusivity is key at Rosen Shingle Creek which is why there are fantastic accessibility features throughout the hotel. As well as having many accessible routes and entrances, there is also an accessible fitness centre, swimming pool, business centre, and ample accessible parking. These features ensure that all guests, regardless of physical abilities, can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free stay.

Affordability

What makes this resort stand out is that it has everything clients need without the charge of a resort fee. The hotel is a recognized and trusted partner of Universal Orlando Resort, ensuring that guests receive quality service and amenities without the hefty resort fees often associated with other high-end accommodations. Additionally, children under four eat free with a paying adult at on-site restaurants, further enhancing the value for families.

Final Thoughts

Booking Rosen Shingle Creek ensures a convenient, luxurious, and value-packed stay. By choosing this hidden gem, clients can look forward to a memorable and stress-free holiday, perfectly positioned to explore the wonders of Universal Epic Universe and the broader Orlando area.